Air cooling device



Patented May 9, 1939 AUNI'TED STATES PATENT OFFICE AIR COOLING DEVICE Fred A. Helfrecht; Oakland, Calif. Application October s, 937, Serial No. 167,988

. 16 Claims.

This invention relates to an air cooling device and more particularly to a portable type of air cooling device which would find advantageous use in cooling closed bodies of vehicles propelled by internal combustion engines, such as automobiles and airplanes and in individual rooms of homes, or hospitals, or in other situations where it is desirable to employ a device for lowering the temperature without the necessity for installation of an expensive air conditioning and cooling system.

Among the objects of the invention are to provide an air cooling device which is inexpensive in construction and efllcient in operation, and which may be installed as an individual unit. Another object is to provide an air cooling device especially adapted for installation in a closed body of a vehicle propelled by an internal combustion engine, and which may be operated responsive to the motor unit of the vehicle.

Since, in the operation of the device herein described, a source of suction is desired, and inasmuch as the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine furnishes such suction, the invention herein is described with relation to such a source of suction, it being understood that if the apparatus is employed in different environments, the suction source couldbe any suitable Well-known apparatus of the suction pump type.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, the invention, broadly stated, consists of the novel features and novel combination of features of the mechanism herein disclosed, the one form described herein and illustratedin the accompanying drawing being by way of example of a prefered form the invention may take, it being understood that changes in size, materials, proportion and details are contemplated as being within the scope of the invention and the appended claims.

Referring to the drawing:

Fig. 1 is a side view of an assemblyof the apparatus as connected to a motor vehicle engine.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged detail view, partly in vertical section, of apparatus shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 31s an enlarged detail view of shut-off cock and valve shown in Fig. 1, being partly in vertical section.

Referring tothe drawing in which like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the several views, H) is a tank or container for a volatile liquid or fluid l I, and preferably a motor fuel such as gasoline, naphtha, or the like with which the tank is filled to a predetermined level 12 spaced from the top of tank H1, at which point the liquid is maintained by a float l3, pivotally mounted as by pin l4 adjacent an outlet end opening l6 of an intake conduit member l5 which communicates with a filling opening Ill The terminal end opening ll; of the intake conduit I5 is controlled by a slidable cut-off or float valve 5 I1, which may be of a type having a ball seated in a pocket or recess l8, and the opening and closing of which is controlled by the rise and fall of float l3. The float I3 is pivotally supported by the float bar I9 by which the ball of 10 valve I1 is maintained in its recess orpocket. Downward movement of 'the float l3 and bar I9 is limited by a stop means such as pin 20 and thereby prevents the ball valve H from becoming dislodged from its pocket, though permitting the unseating of the valve so that the intake conduit is opened when the float l3 drops downward responsive to lowering of fluid in the tank below the predetermined level. It is also obvious that theintake conduit is closed or cut off responsive to the raising of the float l3 by the fluid in the tank.

Automatically operable means are provided for supplying liquid to the tank l0. Connected to the intake conduit It: at the filling opening Ill is a feed line conduit 2| which has its opposite end immersed in or accessible to a suitable supply of volatile fluid. In the illustrated exemplification of the'invention as employed in a motor vehicle, the feedline 2| connects with the gasoline fuel supply line 2 l of the motor vehicle preferably adjacent the carburetor 22 of the motor where it is readily accessible, and at which point there be provided a means such as cock 22 for completely disconnecting the air cooling device from the gasoline feed line. A check valve 22 having a very small by-pass 22 is provided at the cock 22 so that the liquid remaining in feed line 2|, when valve l1 closes, may be returned slowly to the fuel supply line of the engine.

- Means are provided for introducing air into the tank In preferably adjacent the bottom thereof, said means as illustrated herein comprising an air pipe 23 which may be stabilized fixedly within the tank by mounting same in connection with both top and bottom of the tank. Adjacent the lower end of the air pipe 23, or in any event, below the predetermined level l2 of the fluid in the tank, are air vents 24. At the upper'end of the air pipe 23 is an intake opening 23 controlled 50 by a one-way check valve 25 actuated to its seat by resilient coil spring 26 which is mounted about coil stem 21, and the resilience of which may be adjusted by nut 28 which rests on washer 29.

- A suction vent 30 is provided in the upper end of the tank, to which there is connected a suction conduit 3| which in turn has connection to any suitable suction source. In the exempliflcation illustrated herein, the suction source is the intake manifold 3| of the vehicle motor 3l to which the suction conduit 3| is connected above the carburetor 22 so that gases of evaporation in the tank may be disposed of through the motor in an economical and safe manner by adding same to the carburetted fuel which is employed to operate the motor. It is to be understood that if the cooling unit is employed in an environment other than a motor vehicle, the suction line 3| may be connected to any suitable type of suction pump.

Intermediate the ends of the suction conduit there is provided a suction control valve generally indicated 32. The suction control valve 32 may be supported in any suitable manner in the suction conduit line, and, as illustrated in connection with installation of the device in a motor vehicle body, is mounted so as to be accessible for operation from the panel board 33 in the drivers compartment. For this purpose the portion 34 of the suction line is formed so as to provide a supporting bracket for valve 32 and includes a depending arm 35. The bracket portion 34 has an opening 36 therethrough providing a seat for a suction control valve 31 which may comprise a conical valve body maintained tightly, but turnably, on its seat by coil spring 38 buttressed against nuts 39 which are threadedly mounted at the inner end of the valve body. An opening or orifice 40 is provided through the valve body for registering with the conduit of the suction line. The opposite or outer end of the suction control valve body extends through an opening 4| in the panel board and mounts a hand grip member 42 by which said valve body may be rotated so as to manually and selectively open and close the suction line conduit. An automatically operating means for control of the suction line is also provided, such as an expansion plate thermostat 43 mounted at its axial center on a bar or shaft 44 which projects from one face thereof and is threadedly mounted for advancement and retraction in arm 35 of the bracket. The thermostat is advanced and retracted by means of a rod 45 connected thereto and which is rotatably mounted in an opening longitudinal of the suction valve body. The rod 45 is also longitudinally slidable in said opening of the suction valve body and is provided with an annular groove 46 closely adjacent the orifice 40 of the valve body. It will be observed that when the thermostat automatically expands and contracts responsive to the temperature variations of its environment, it will actuate the annular groove 46 into and out of register with the orifice 40, thus automatically controlling the suction line so long as the valve 31 and its orifice 40 are in open position. When the valve 31 is manually turned to closed position, the suction line will be completely inoperative. The thermostat adjustment rod 45 is provided at its outer end with a knob 41 by which the thermostat 43 may be manually advanced and retracted for adjusting the eifectiveness' of the thermostat to automatically open and close the suction line at various temperatures. For purposes of extremely exact control of the suction line, it is preferred that the groove 46 be V-shaped with one wall perpendicular and the other wall on an oblique angle thereto, as shown in the drawing. As a guide in regulating the valve 32 and thermostat 43, a dial 48 is provided on the panel board having proper calibrations by which the hand grip 42 and knob 41, respectively, may be conveniently set or adjusted from the drivers seat. A manually operable cook 49 is provided at the bottom of tank ill for emptying same when and if desired.

The mode of operation of the apparatus is as follows:

Upon operation of the suction source through the suction conduit 3|, a state of partial vacuum will be set up in the tank l0. Assuming the tank to be empty or that the supply of liquid is below the predetermined level, the float l3 will be in its down position, thus releasing the float valve l1. Since the air inlet 25 is spring-loaded to its closed position, the vacuum in the tank'will initially draw ,fluid from the fluid supply into the tank until the predetermined fluid level is reached, at which time the float I3 will close the valve I 'l and thereafter the vacuum or suction will be effective to open the air valve 25 against the resistance of the coil spring 26. The effect of this will be to permit air to enter the tank through the air pipe 23, and be discharged at the bottom of the liquid supply through the openings 24, whereupon the air rises to the top through the liquid, evaporating the same, and thereupon causing reduction of temperature of the tank and thus serving to efiect its refrigeration function. When suiflcient of the liquid has been evaporated to drop below the predetermined liquid level, the float l3 automatically drops, opens the valve l1, and thereby re-charges the liquid supply to its pre-determined level. The thermostat 43, being manually adjustable as above described to operate varying temperatures, automatically retracts and advances the rod 45 so as to automatically place the groove 46 in register with the openings 40 of the suction-control valve. When it is desired that the device shall not be operative, the suction control valve 37 is rotated so that the openings 40 are not in register with the conduit of the suction line and thereupon the functioning of the device is discontinued. When the suction line is connected to the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine, the gases of evaporation in the tank are carried to the intake manifold and are discharged through the cylinders of the motor wherein their fuel value may also be utilized. Possibility of any of the gases of evaporation escaping into the room or vehicle body is eliminated by the one-way spring-loaded valve 25.

In the simple and more economical form of the apparatus it may be desired to dispense with the automatic feed of liquid into the tank l0, in which event the float l3, feed conduit l and feed line 2! may be eliminated and the orifice Ill used merely as a filling opening to charge the tank with the desired liquid.

The refrigeration area of the exterior of the tank may be increased by corrugating the wall thereof as shown in the drawing.

While I have expressed preference for use of a highly volatile liquid in the tank Ill, it is to be understood that I do not exclude the use of water therein since it will serve the purpose, but with a lesser degree 01' refrigerating efllciency.

I claim:

1. An air cooling device comprising a tank for containing a fluid at a predetermined fluid level, an air inlet means for admitting air into the tank below the predetermined fluid level, a suction means for drawing air from above the fluid level in the tank, a valve for controlling the suction of the air from the tank, and a thermostat for controlling said last mentioned valve.

2. An air cooling device comprising a tank for containing a fluid ata predetermined fluid level, an air inlet means including a check valve for admitting air into the tank below the predetermined fluid level, a suction means for drawing air from above the fluid level in the tank, a valve for controlling the suction of the air from the tank, and a thermostat for controlling said last mentioned valve. v

3. An air cooling device comprising a tank for containing a fluid at a predetermined fluid level, a supply conduit for communicating with a fluid supply and with said tank, anair inlet means for admitting air into the tank below the predetermined fluid level, a suction means for drawing' air from above the fluid level in the tank, a .valve for controlling the suction of the air from the tank, and a thermostat for controlling said last mentioned valve.

4. An air cooling device comprising a tank for containing a fluid at a predetermined fluid level, a supply conduit for communicating with a fluid supply and with said tank, an air inlet means including acheck valve for admitting air into the tank below the predetermined fluid level, a suction means for drawing air from above'the fluid level in the tank, a valve for controlling the suction of the air from the tank, and a thermo- N stat for controlling said last mentioned valve.

5. An air cooling device comprising a tank for containing a fluid at a predetermined fluid level, a supply conduit for communicating with a fluid supply and withsaid tank, a cut-off valve for controlling communication of the supply conduit with the tank, a float operative responsive to the fluid level in the tank for actuating the cutoff valve, an air inlet means ,for admitting air into the tank below the predetermined fluid level, and a suction means for drawing air from above,the fluid level in the tank, said air inlet means including acontrol valve adapted to keep the air inlet closed when the cut-off valve of the fluid supply, conduit is open, and to open the air inlet means responsive to the suction means when said cut-off valve is closed.

6. An air cooling device comprising a tank for containing a fluid at a predetermined fluid level, a supply conduit for communicating with a fluid supply and with said tank, a cut-off valve for controlling communication of the supply conduit with the tank, a float operative responsive to the fluid level in the tank for actuating the cutoff valve, an air inlet means including a check valve for admitting air into the tank below the predetermined fluid level, a suction means for drawing air from above the fluid level in the tank, and a valve for controlling the suction of the air from the tank, said check valve of the air inlet means being operative to maintain the air inlet closed when the cut-ofi valve of the fluid supply conduit is open, and' to open the air inlet means responsive to the suction means when said cut-off valve is closed.

7. An air cooling device comprising a tank for containing a fluid at a predetermined fluid level, a supply conduit for communicating with a fluid supply and with said tank, an air inlet means for admitting air into the tank below the predetermined fluid level, a suction means for drawing air. from above the fluid level in the tank, and a valve for controlling the suction of the air from the tank, and a thermostat for controlling said last mentioned valve.

in the tank, a valve for controlling the suction.

ofthe air from the tank, and a thermostat'for controlling said last mentioned valve;

9. In a vehicle having a closed body compartment, the combination of an internal combustion motor unit provided with an intake conduit for fluid fuel, and an air cooling device comprising a tank for containing a fluid at a predeter mined fluid level mounted in the vehicle body, an air inlet means for admitting air into the tank below the predetermined fluid level, a suction conduit connected to the intake fuel conduit of the motor for drawing air from above the fluid level in the tank, a valve for controlling thesuction of the air from the tank, and a therfluid fuel, and an air cooling device comprising a tank for containing a fluid at a predetermined fluid level mounted in the vehicle body, an air inlet means including a check valve for admitting air into the tank below the predetermined fluid level, a suction conduit connected to the intake fuel conduit of the motor for drawing air .from above the fluid level in the tank, a valve for controlling the suction of the air from the tank, and a thermostat for controlling said last I mentioned valve.

11. In a vehicle having a closed body compartment, the combination of an -internal combustion motor unit provided with an intake conduit for fluid fuel, and anair cooling device comprising a tank for containing a fluid at a predetermined fluid level mounted in the vehicle body, a supply conduit for communicating with a fluid supply and with said tank, an air inlet means for admitting air into the tank below the predetermined fluid level, a suction conduit connected to the intake fuel conduit of the motor for drawing air from above the fluid level in the tank,

a valve for controlling the suction of the airy from the tank, and a thermostat for controlling said last mentioned valve.

12. In a vehicle having a closed body compartment, the combination of an internal combustion motor unit provided with an intake conduit for fluid fuel, and an air cooling devicecomprising a tank for containing a fluid at a predetermined fluld level mounted in the vehicle body, a supply conduit for communicating wlth'a fluid supply and with said tank, an air inlet means including a check valve for admitting air into the tank below the predetermined fluid level, a suction conduit connected to the intake .fuel conduit of the motor for drawing air from above the fluid level in the tank, a'valve for controlling the suction of the air from the tank, and a thermostat for controlling said last mentioned valve. e

13. In a vehicle having a closed body compartrment, the combination of an internal combustion motor unit provided with an intake conduit for fluid fuel, and an air cooling device comprising a tank for containing a fluid at a predetermined fiuid level mounted in the vehicle body, a supply conduit for communicating with a fluid supply and with said tank, a cut-off valve for controlling communication of the supply conduit with the tank, a float operative responsive to the fluid level in the tank for actuating the cut-01f valve, an air inlet means for admitting air into the tank below the predetermined fluid level, and a suction conduit connected to the intake fuel conduit of the motor for drawing air from above the fluid level in the tank, said air inlet means including a control valve adapted to keep the air inlet closed when the cut-off valve of the fluid supply conduit is open, and to open the air inlet means responsive to the suction means when said cut-oil valve is closed.

14. In a vehicle having a closed body compartment, the combination of an internal combustion motor unit provided with an intake conduit for fluid fuel, and an air cooling device comprising a tank for containing a fluid at a predetermined fluid level mounted in the vehicle body, v

a supply conduit for communicating with a fluid supply and with said tank, a cut-off valve for controlling communication of the supply conduit with the tank, a float operative responsive to the fluid level in the tank for actuating the cut-oil valve, an air inlet means including a check valve for admitting air into the tank below the predetermined fluid level, a suction conduit connected to the intake fuel conduit of the motor for drawing air from above the fluid level in the tank, and a valve for controlling the suction of the air from the tank, said check valve of the air inlet means being operative to maintain the air inlet closed when the cut-oil? valve of the fluid supply conduit is open, and to open the air inlet means responsive to the suction means when said cut-off valve is closed.

15. In a vehicle having a closed body compartment, the combination of an internal combustion motor unit provided with an intake conduit for fluid fuel, and an air cooling device comprising a tank for containing a fluid at a predetermined fluid level mounted in the vehicle body, a supply conduit for communicating with a fluid supply and with said tank, an air inlet means for admitting air into the tank below the predetermined fluid level, a suction conduit connected to the intake fuel conduit of the motor for drawing air from above the fluid level in the tank, a valve for controlling the suction of the air from the tank, and a thermostat for controlling said last mentioned valve.

16. In a vehicle having a closed body compartment, the combination of an internal combustion motor unit provided with an intake conduit for fluid fuel, and an air cooling device comprising a tank for containing a fluid at a predetermined fluid level mounted in the vehicle body, a supply conduit for communicating with a fluid supply and with said tank, a cut-off valve for controlling communication of the supply conduit with the tank, a float operative responsive to the fluid level in the tank for actuating the cut-off valve, an air inlet means including a check valve for admitting air into the tank below the predetermined fluid level, a suction conduit connected to the intake fuel conduit of the motor for drawing air from above the fluid level in the tank, a valve for controlling the suction of the air from the tank, and a thermostat for controlling said last mentioned valve.

FRED A. HELF'RECHT. 

